Penn Connects, the University of Pennsylvania’s 30-year master plan, will break ground on its centerpiece project tomorrow on a parcel of land that was begging for purpose for nearly three decades. Penn Park, a 24-acre, $46 million project at the eastern edge of campus that will feature open space, athletic fields and tennis courts, should be completed by 2011.
“For far too long, these 24 acres of pure potential stretching along the west bank of the Schuylkill River have been buried under a cold carpet of asphalt and concrete,” says Penn president Amy Gutmann in a news release. “After 25 years in the making, Penn Park is finally becoming a reality, and it will put Penn, yet again at the forefront of innovative land use and responsible urban design, weaving the eastern edge of campus into the daily fabric of Center City life.”
The parcel of land is located south of Walnut Street and consists of 14 acres the school purchased from the U.S. Postal Service two years ago, in addition to 10 acres Penn already owned below South Street.
The space will include three multi-purpose athletic fields with synthetic turf for club, intramural or recreation games. One field will be covered with a seasonal air structure to create an indoor environment and allow athletics teams to practice during the winter. Also included are a 12-court, outdoor tennis facility and a multi-level elevated walk that allows pedestrian movement throughout the site and provides a raised central plaza and Center City skyline views.
A variety of trees and native grasses will outline the playing fields and support pedestrian walkways, while a storm-water management system is planned to capture and divert rain water to supply the site’s irrigation system. The Park’s lighting includes energy efficient fixtures with shielding to prevent light pollution.
Source: Julie McWilliams, University of Pennsylvania
Writer: Joe Petrucci